1979 Ford Cortina vs. 2011 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2011 Opel Meriva is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Opel Meriva (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1979 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Cortina.
Because 1979 Ford Cortina is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Opel Meriva, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Opel Meriva (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Cortina | 2011 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Cortina | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
